Head of Democrat parliamentary group threatens opposition will react in unpredictable ways following clashes in Parliament
Photo: Gazment Bardhi
Gazment Bardhi, head of the Democratic Party’s (DP) parliamentary group, declared that the opposition will act in unpredictable ways after 24 DP MPs were suspended for disrupting a parliamentary session.
Why is it important: This confrontation is part of the Democratic Party’s ongoing strategy to challenge Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Salianji’s conviction for filing a false report served as a trigger for the latest tensions. Bardhi’s promise of more unpredictable actions suggests that the opposition’s disruptive tactics will intensify in the coming weeks, potentially leading to more political unrest.
The rest: Bardhi criticized the suspensions, accusing the government of bypassing parliamentary rules: “The exclusion of 24 MPs does not follow regulations, just as our deputies were imprisoned without law.” He also attacked Prime Minister Edi Rama and Parliament Speaker Elisa Spiropali, claiming they are running a regime that ignores the Constitution and hides behind the system’s institutions.
Earlier in the week, the Democratic Party reacted strongly to Salianji’s conviction, which was upheld by the Court of Appeals. Despite clear evidence of Salianji’s involvement in filing a false report, the opposition MPs announced protests and caused unrest. They set fire to MPs’ chairs in the parliamentary courtyard and threw projectiles at the Speaker during the session. This led to immediate disciplinary action, with key figures like Flamur Noka, Gazment Bardhi, and Bledion Nallbati receiving suspensions of up to 60 days.
The Democratic Party has a history of using disruptive tactics, particularly in the lead-up to elections. However, their strategy seems more aggressive this time due to the legal troubles facing their leader, Sali Berisha, who is awaiting trial for corruption and has been designated persona non grata by the US and UK. Many believe the Democrats are ramping up tensions to gain leverage and improve Berisha’s legal situation.
What’s next: Bardhi has made it clear that the Democratic Party will continue to act unpredictably in its opposition to the government. He stated, “We will act as we see fit, whether against Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, or any building where organized crime is sheltered.” The Democratic Party has announced further protests, expected to escalate in the coming days. On October 7 they will hold the first major protest which they have declared may involve the blocking of highways and vital infrastructure.
Go deeper
Editorial note: The opposition’s protest that wasn’t
Published on December 23, 2024
Parliament Leaders’ Conference rejects opposition’s request on Inquiry into Durrës Port Project
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The opposition’s requested inquiry would have lasted six months, overlapping with the critical pre-election period. During election seasons, Parliament’s activities, including those of inquiry committees, are limited, making the establishment of such a committee practically unfeasible. The Democratic Party has a history of opposing projects proposed and implemented by their Socialist rivals for political gain. When in power, the Berisha government halted several projects initiated by the Municipality of Tirana, then led by Edi Rama, even demolishing some under construction on questionable grounds without awaiting court rulings. In opposition, the Democrats have continued this pattern, at times organizing protests—some of which turned violent—against projects that later proved to be highly popular and contributed significantly to the Socialists’ electoral successes.
SPAK reclassifies charges against former Minister Ilir Beqaj in sterilization concession case
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The decision marks a significant escalation in the case, as the charges now carry more severe penalties. Until now, Beqaj was accused solely of abuse of office, while his deputy faced charges of fraud, document forgery, and abuse of office. Businessman Ilir Rrapaj had been charged with fraud. The judge handling this case, previously gained attention when she accepted a request to lift house arrest for opposition leader Sali Berisha, whose own corruption case is set to begin soon. Berisha has credited his party for the new direction in the sterilization case, suggesting it influenced SPAK’s decision to strengthen the charges against the former Socialist minister.